Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-03-09
Gales aud Sketthes.
A STRANGE CLIENT.
CONTINUED from Yesterday

linen. SIT. we may pass 10 the seconu
purpose of my call"
II beg your pardon"
81 am minded to be your client as we'll
as your debtor-though with you lawyers
the first word generally includes the lat
ter" said the visitor, with sardonic
chuckle.
In spite both of his gloom and of his
justification, Frank smiled. He was
plainly in the presence of a character"
and he had fondness for studying out-of-
the-way types of humanity.
"You are satirical at our expense. But
am at your command" he answered.
and he took from pile of papers small
note book 81 must ask you for your
name, please"
"John Green"
A peculiar expression upon the speak
er's face caused the suspicion that this
was an alias, but the young solicitor en-
tered it without audible comment.
We'll, Mr.. Green?"
"There's large steam flour mill at
Raybeck, nigh here. to be sold, under
stand?"
Frank Archer's bewilderment deep
ened OF what conceivable importance
could this ill-omened fact be to the
stranger?
Yes; the advertisement is in the news
papers," ~ ID
at is from them l obtain my informa-
ton. The present proprietor, Thomas
Murrell, is bankrupt"
It was a harsh word, which for reasons
of his own, grated on the lawyers ears.
He frowned, and silently inclined his
head.
"You are agent for the sale of the pro-
pertv?'
my father s."
Il propose to buy it. What are the
fguresp"
The incredibly upon Franks face was
too patent to be disguised.
You think me mad or an imposter,
and can't exactly blame you," the Wis
itor continued with a numerous twinkle
in his gray eyes. 81 don't look precisely
the man who could 60 about the country
buying up mills, but I've cure for your
doubts handy, as it happens
From an inner vest pocket, cunninglY
hidden behind folds of lining. he alb
stracted a greasy leather case. Unfold
ing this, he displayed to Franks gaze a
sheaf of bank notes.
Examine them," he chuckled;
"they're genuine. every one. They're
all hundreds. and I've more where they
came from. You mustn't always ia ige
by appearances, young man. Now, what
is the price Murrel's creditors expect to
get from the mill? For sale by auction
or private contract the advertisement
said >
1.-The terms of the latter, inexclusive
of everything. are 5000 guineas, Mr..
Green"
The client reflected a moment.
"Say 10000 and I'll close"
Done" and the light of triumph over
clever bargain shone on Frank s
countenance.
You'll have the contract note ready
this EVENING" I'll make the vendor Sc
cure on my side"
There shall be no unnecessary delay,
Mr.. Green"
There's mystery here" murmured
Frank, as he returned to his seat from
accompanying his visitor to the door.
And then-such is the potency of love
his thoughts went back to Carrie Muir
rell, and the ordeal of remuneration or
contumely and suffering with which he
was confronted.
The negotiations for the definite trans
fer of the mill property had been sus
pended until the return of the senior soil
citor, and meanwhile the guest of the
ROYAL George furnished topic for many
conlectures and much perplexed remark
to the bucoic mind. His advent from
nobody knows where, his real position,
his plans. were all an unsolved enigma.
The middle of the following week, New
Years. Mr.. Archer, the elder, returned,
and Frank lost no time IN Introducing to
his presence the protege who had so unex-
pectedly developed into the client
"Mr Green-my father" he said.
The two men bowed and shook hands
Mr. Archer, I'd like to have a word
with you alone, if this young gentleman
will pardon my rudeness," said the sol
distant John Green.
Marveling not a little, Frank withdrew.
The strangers opening question was at
least an equal surprise to Franks parent.
Your son is engaged to Miss Murrell
and it is said that you object to the match.
Is this true?"
The elderly lawyers face grew slowly
purple. halt with confusion half with rage
IL can not see, Mr.. Green, that my fam
lily affairs" he began.
Concern me. That's as the event NAV
determine" the other answered with a
Earring bitterness. II believe I've stated
facts; and the ground of your objection is
the recent failure of Miss Murrell's father,
and the girls consequent poverty. Now.
Mr.. Archer, I've story to tell. and I'll be
brief about it, as you lawyers like. Five.
and-twenty years ago lived at Murley-
at Raybeck mill-with my father and my
brother. That brother stole from me
my sweetheart, and | hated him as per-
haps only brother can hate brother. |
went abroad, grew rich. came home to
England, saw the mill advertised for
sale, owing to my brothers bankruptcy,
came here intending to buy it. turn
Thomas out, and live there myself
was still scheming revenge. On my
way here l was saved by your son
from terrible danger. l find he loves
-ahem my niece; l like your son,
and-his Carrie. On the day they marry
am prepared to settle upon the bride the
whole of this property, and to make her
nv heiress also. have no other ties.
am an eccentric old fellow but can prove
every statement make. And, on these
conditions, Mr.. Archer, l hope you'll
waive your objections to what, even to
my old eyes. is so clearly love match.
NV real name is Andrew Murrell II was